The Atomium is one of Belgium's iconic landmarks, located in the capital city Brussels. Though Brussels is famous for its historical architecture, this structure is among the younger ones. It was constructed for the Brussels World's Fair in 1958 - an event with the message of an optimistic future, where science would give salvation for humanity after the horrors of WWII.
The World Fair has a long tradition dating back to the mid-19th century. At first, they gave opportunity for the public to discover the industrial advancements but slowly they transformed into a significant event, a place where the international community can meet and change ideas. In the 1950s - after the two devastating World Wars - the European economy was booming and the community was ready to look to the future. The Expo 58 give the perfect opportunity to present the world of tomorrow. The theme of 'world for a better life for mankind' was inspired by the faith in scientific and technical improvements and to symbolize peace among the participants. The 'Universal Exposition' attracted more than 41 million visitors from all over the world - which is amazing considering the fact that foreign travel was still rare at the time.
Among the pavilions, the Belgian nation has its own of course - and this is where the Atomium was displayed. The Atomium is a giant 165 billion times enlarged model of an elementary iron crystal cell, designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak. This huge structure totaled more than 2,400 tons and stands 102 m tall! The nine 18 m diameter stainless steel clad spheres are connected by twenty 3-meter long tubes and representing the atoms in the crystal. The renovated spheres are illuminated with 2,970 LED lights during the night - making the sight even more spectacular!
The Atomium was meant to be a temporary monument but due to its success the demolition was postponed year by year and it is still standing proud on the Heysel Plateau, where the exhibition took place. Today it is a popular tourist attraction, museum and an exhibition center.
So what is actually inside it?
Due to safety reasons, only 6 of the 9 spheres are open to the public and all spheres have two main floors and one lower floor for service. On the ground level there is the entrance/ exit, a souvenir shop and an elevator to the Panorama level. The top sphere has a panoramic 360° view of the city - on a clear day you might see the port of Antwerp - and a restaurant at 95 meters. The elevator that take visitors here is located in the central tube and was the fastest elevator at the time.
The other 5 spheres are accessible by escalators and stairs. On level 1 and 2 there is the permanent exhibition 'Atomium. From Symbol to Icon' telling you about the Expo 58 and how the Atomium was designed. Level 3, 4 and 5 is for temporary exhibitions.
Then there is an unusual level with loud electronic music and crazy lightshow. Also there is a rentable event space (in fact, you can rent the whole Atomium if you want which is insane!) and a level for primary school groups to have a sleepover.
The interior architecture of the Atomium is quite futuristic - often compared to a spaceship or a submarine. The colour red, blue and metallic grey are dominating. As you walk 80 steps up and 167 steps down gaze at the unconventional escalators and stairs.
To visit the Atomium from the inside, you can buy your ticket online for 16 EUR or at the Ticket office by the base of the structure. Every ticket give you access to the neighbouring ADAM - Brussels Design Museum too. Check the conditions of visiting and opening hours here. If you want to see it at night, go on a Friday during the Laeken Fireworks event or make a dinner reservation to the panoramic restaurant.
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